joy

“Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

As busy people, we often find it difficult to be still. Whether we work, volunteer, stay home with kids, or are retired, we are busy running from one thing to the next without much time in between. We hardly have time to accomplish what is required of us in a given day, let alone find time for ourselves or for God! However, the reality is that, without His help we cannot be all that He created us to be; and all that others need us to be. The travesty is that we allow the busyness of life to crowd out the Source of life. As the Psalmist wrote; “We are merely moving shadows and all our busy rushing ends in nothing…” Psalm 39:6 Just like any other relationship in our lives, to sustain a healthy relationship with God; we have to make time to connect with Him one-on-one. This can be done through prayer, bible study and worship, and can be done any time or anywhere.

“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Often God has to shut a door in our lives so that He can subsequently open the door that He wants us to go through. There are times in life when you want to be surrounded by other people, in the thick of it, when you are ready and willing to jump into whatever life throws at you. And then there are other times when you want to hide yourself away and take refuge. You want to go to a remote place where the only one who can find you is God. There’s never a point when you reach full spiritual maturity and you don’t have to grow anymore. There is nothing in or of this world that can compete with knowing God and who He is through Jesus Christ. You can’t have one foot in the world and one foot in the faith and be growing as a Christian. God doesn’t want us to be busy; He wants us to be fruitful! Take time to go from busy to fruitful…a place God intends for you to be. Be still and remain in His presence.

“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your word to renew me.” Psalms 119:114

Father, please help us to remember to make room for You in our dailey lives so that we can and be all that you created us to be for those who rely on us. Thank you for all that you do in and through us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2

How monumental is the command that we walk in a manner worthy of God. Stop and consider His divine perfection, there is nothing to equal Him! The good we do is God at work within us. It doesn’t matter if our calling is a stay at home mom, a wife or a career mom, the point is that we live worthy of whatever it is God has called us to be. It means being honorable and admirable at all times and telling the truth when a lie looks so much easier. It means saying no when everything within you wants to say yes and loving when you’d rather hate. It means giving God what you have and trusting Him for the rest and giving your time when it would be easier not to. It means being like Christ.

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Sometimes we dwell too much on our own weaknesses. It is easy to dwell on the feelings that we are unworthy. Unless we learn to look at ourselves like God looks at us, we will never reach the potential that He has for us. The devil bombards our mind, and he comes against us in every way and tries to condemn us and make us say bad things about ourselves. But we need to realize that we are a child of God and dearly beloved by Him. Therefore, walk worthy of His call. When discouragement comes, stand firm in your faith, and God will mold you into an instrument of His love to others.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

God has called you to be a light of His love and forgiveness to a world locked away in utter darkness. Are you doing your best to walk in a manner worthy of the sacrifice that has been made for you, Holy, acceptable to God? If not, begin today by the renewing of your mind in Christ Jesus our Lord and begin to cultivate the life of faith in you. Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.”

Father, Please help us to be worth of our calling. Help our actions and words glorify You and point others to Your amazing love. Help us to lift up those around us and challenge those who know You to pursue Your heart more passionately. In Your Precious Name. Amen.

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee…He that formed thee…Fear not; for I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.” Isaiah 43:1-3

Everyone goes through tough times during certain periods of their lives. As Christians, we know in our heads that God is working in and through those times. But often our emotions take over. Fear and worry may set in. Are you in a difficult trial today? Are you wondering how to go forward? It’s possible to be going through tough times and have peace in the midst of trials. When the winds of change begin to blow violently all around us we can choose to focus on our unchanging God. He has A perfect plan for our lives. We must believe deep in our hearts that God`s love for us is unconditional. He loves us no matter who we are or what we have done, and nothing we do will make Him love us any less than He does already.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Have you ever been so upset you couldn’t pray? Maybe your mind was filled with panic and you couldn’t think straight. Sometimes we go through times in life when it feels like God Himself has pulled the rug right out from under us. Dazed and now on the floor, we look around and say, “What just hit me?” Our trials should lead us more and more to a trusting dependance upon God and His gracious favor towards us in Christ. God’s Word gives us a lot of encouragement to trust Him. God is omniscient, which means he knows your need even if you can’t express it. He always sees things clearly. When you go to him in fear or confusion, He wants you to depend on him and He wants to be your protector.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” John 16:33

The next time something does not unfold as you expected or you are suddenly faced with an unforeseen and unpleasant change in circumstances, remember the constancy of God. By doing this, you will keep the disappointments, surprises, and interruptions of life in proper perspective. God is unchanging, and He is committed to keeping every promise He has made. So if there is a tough situation awaiting you today, go right into it with a heart full of faith knowing that God is going to act to deliver you from every trial and suffering in His perfect timing.

Father, thank you for all that You have blessed us with this week. Thank you for providing peace in the face of anxieties. Fill each of us with Your sweet presence. Help us to always have greatful hearts. Help us to show Your grace to others in need. Protect and guide our every step with Your loving care. In your precious and Holy name. AmenSweet Blessings

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

In our culture, aging is often viewed as some kind of disease that, if we ignore it and don’t talk about it might go away. Like we can somehow push back the edges of mortality. Growing old graciously should be one of your life’s goals. You don’t need to fear aging, or try to gloss over your uneasiness about approaching it. There is a reason we want to grow old gracefully: so that younger generations can observe the gracefulness in our lives which speaks of God’s power at work in us.

“Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 71:18

What does age really represent? Days and nights spent living your life, coming through a myriad of experiences that sometimes seems so monotonous, only to be interrupted by life-altering surprises and unforeseen tragedies. Your age reflects years of collected wisdom. Your age also represents wonderful experiences. You’ve exchanged some of the energy of youth for them, but the older you become the more wealth you have in your treasure trove of memories.

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV

Mother Nature and Father Time may have brought you backaches, baldness and bifocals and probably a wrinkle or two. Your hair is changing color and your body is not quite so nimble. None of these things give you any less value! Time is the one resource that cannot be renewed. Life zooms by, so why carelessly waste your time worrying about the perils of aging? If you are still alive, God kept you around for a reason. Find out what it is, and then pour every day and every ounce of energy you have left into it. You can be ‘old’ at twenty-five and ‘young’ at eighty-five. Any measure of health and happiness enjoyed at any age is a gift from God. The memories you’ve made along the way are precious and priceless. Thank God for every year he’s given you. Live and love every moment of your life until He calls you home. It is called “A gift of age.”

Father, thank you for all the years that you have gifted me with on your beautiful earth. I pray that my life has shown your goodness and love to others. I pray that my children will be blessed by my journey. Give me the grace to finish the race. In your precious Name. Amen

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”Matthew 5:9 NIV

The world needs peace. The home needs peace. The office, the factory, the school, and the family need peace. To have peace there must be those who bring the peace of God. We are called to bring the peace of God into the life of others. In the middle of the storms of life, you can be a person who brings the calm that others so badly need. When you look around you, you can see anguish, worry, doubt, and fear in the life of others. You can reflect the peace of Christ and bring a kind word of love and assurance. Give away the calm love of God. Bring the healing of His grace, love, and peace.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14 KJV

Sin has a way of creeping up in our lives. There’s no big warning sign that sin is about to manifest itself somehow through our lives and then boom, something comes out of our mouth or a thought crosses our mind and suddenly there it is. Often that can lead to strife among our friends and even our own family. Yet, there is a call from the Lord Jesus for us to be peacemakers at the same time. How can that all work together. I believe there are two catalysts to making peace as a peacemaker. One is forgiveness and the other is humility.

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19 VIV

Let’s face it, not everyone likes you or me. We may have enemies, even in the Christian body. But the Bible is clear that we are to make peace with those individuals. Whenever we encounter a situation that is hostile and fraught with tension, we are to be the peacemakers. The Bible teaches us to do whatever it costs to live at peace with all men. There’s a peace that comes from having an inner peace with God, one that allows you to sleep at night because you have been perfectly honest with yourself and with God.

Personal peace is only possible through Christ! Not only is it only possible through Christ, but it comes as a gift from God, totally removed from our circumstances of life. Even if one’s life is filled with controversy, anxiety, or even constant troubles, the peace of God can and will rule in the heart of the true believer. The peacemakers are those children of God who not only have great love for God, but also have love for all of mankind and they attempt to do everything possible for the advancement of peace everywhere.

Father, I thank you that I have found peace with you through Jesus Christ. I thank you that you have renewed my spirit. Help me to live with everyone in peace, that I can forgive as you have forgiven me and give me a humble heart. In Your name Lord, Amen.

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” I John 3:17-18

Being a child of God brings with it some awesome responsibilities. One of the most troublesome is that it is not enough to just “Talk the talk” we are required to “Walk the walk,” following in the foot steps of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. That means that we have to back up our talk with action. We can say all we want about how loving we are, but the real proof is in our actions. If God’s love is a motivating force in our life, then helping others is going to be a natural by-product. It is much easier for us to testify about Our Lord and Savior than to proclaim Him through our lifestyle. Yet we are called to do both. Not because it earns us points, or favor, with Our Heavenly Father; but, because that is the way He calls us to be.

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18 NIV

James writes, “Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” It is easy to praise God with our words but dishonor Him with our actions. God places opportunities in each of our days to shine His light and walk in His ways. You just never know what taking those opportunities to show the Love of God will do in just one person’s life not to mention what it can do for your own relationship with our Heavenly Father. Don’t miss those opportunities and don’t miss out on your own drawing nearer to the Father.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

A lifetime of talking about our faith, can be undone, in a moment in another person’s eyes by our actions. Works can’t save you, but they are a surefire way to show that you’re saved. You can talk the talk, quote the Scriptures, and say “Hallelujah!” all you want, but if your life bears no fruit, your words are virtually valueless. Don’t just say you love others, show that you love others. Ask yourself this question: Are you walking the walk or just talking the talk? Choose to let your actions reflect your words and not just be a hearer of the Word, but a doer! Make a commitment to Christ to put some action behind your faith!

Father, you have blessed me with so much. Help me to be wise and compassionate to those that you bring across my path. I pray that others see your love that dwells in me. Amen

Have you ever wondered why the birds sing so joyfully in the morning? How they flit and flutter from tree to tree, landing just long enough to release their sweet melodies calling their mates or reassuring their little ones. These beautiful melodic sounds greet my ears and settle down deep in my heart, simple, yet comforting. It’s at times like these that I am reminded of how precious my Fathers love for me is and how his presence fills my soul with such joy and gladness. And my heart is filled with a deep abiding love and gratitude.

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2

Don’t you just enjoy being with happy people? People that always smile and greet you with a kind word? Someone who speaks positive words that lift you up and makes you feel like you can make it through another day, no matter what challenges that comes your way. As apposed to someone who has a permanent frown that constantly complains and never has anything positive to say. They talk about themselves [or others] and how difficult their life is or how someone else did something that offended them. How do others see you? Do you present yourself as a happy child of God? Do you always greet others with a smile and kind word? Or do others seem to shy away from you?

“For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.” Psalm 92:4

True joy is that overwhelming sense of comfort and contentment that floods one’s soul. It comes with dwelling in the presence of the Heavenly Father. Learn to serve the Lord with gladness, not with a frown, not out of habit, not even out of the feeling of duty, but serve Him with a joyous heart. To serve Him is a privilege; one that we should never take lightly for it is only by His mercy and grace that we even have the opportunity to serve such a Holy, Mighty, Awesome God!

Father, I love you and desire to serve You with gladness and a song in my heart all day long. Please remind me when I am overwhelmed by life’s situations that You are ever present to fill my heart with joy. Help me to always share your love with others. In you precious name, Amen!

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16

Nothing promotes health of body and soul more than a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings; as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house?

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Do you remember to say thank you to God whenever He does something for you; answering a prayer, sending a friend to comfort you, helping you solve a problem creatively, or granting you wisdom? Naturally it isn’t difficult to give thanks when blessings are being showered on us. But the Bible says to give thanks in everything. How do we give thanks when trouble is overwhelming us? Hebrews 13 discusses giving a “sacrifice of praise.” Praise becomes a sacrifice when we thank God in times of trouble.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:5-7

Gratitude goes deeper than thanksgiving. It says that I have my priorities in order. That I love the One who blesses me even more than His blessings. When you are depressed, make a list of your blessings; it will change your focus. Choose to fill your mind and thoughts with your blessings. Feeling an appreciation for those blessings can change the way you feel and brighten your spirit during difficult times. Having a grateful heart during tough times is a tremendous testimony to others of God’s grace. As believers we always have something to be thankful for. Through the gift of His Son, Jesus, we have a loving relationship with God that will last forever. His mercies are new every morning, and we have the assurance of knowing we are never alone.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love is eternal.” Psalm 136:1

Ask God how He can use you to make a difference in the lives of others. Although our needs may have multiplied, there are many who lack even the basic necessities. Our God will guide and provide if we are willing to serve. There are life-lifting benefits of an “Attitude of Gratitude. So with hearts filled with gratitude and contentment, let’s not forget the gracious gifts of the Most High God.
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”

Dear Father, thank you for all the many blessings you give to me every day here on earth. Please give me a thankful heart and may I remember your Word that reminds me to give thanks in all circumstances. Gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

Grace…unmerited, boundless, free. Our Fathers amazing gift of grace. What joy to enter the covenant of grace! More than we deserve and greater than we imagine. Our faith teaches us that grace can only come from God and is only made available to us through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It is completely unmerited and totally undeserved.

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14

It’s both a mystery and a miracle to me that each day, God causes the sun to rise on the good and the evil. He does not separate them. He allows His grace to shine on both. Each year, He brings rain to the righteous and the unrighteous. He does not distinguish between them, but rather God refreshes it all. It’s a wonderful way of applying grace to an undeserving world full of undeserving people.

We will never do everything perfectly while we’re here on this earth, there will always be room for growth. Learning to live a grace filled life requires us to look at others and extend the same spirit of grace that God extends to us. If we don’t live grace filled lives we are treating God’s grace, love, kindness, mercy and patience with contempt. It’s like saying to God, “I only value You when it applies to me.”
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

The best way to know which areas of your life you need to focus on is not to compare yourself with others, but to slow down a bit and allow the Lord to speak into your life regarding areas that need attention. Some of the best ways to do that is to spend time daily in the Word. Read, pray, and listen to the still small voice of God. Let His word transform you today so that you may share God’s amazing grace with others.

Heavenly Father, May we live grace filled lives that extend grace and love to others. May we be patient, kind and merciful to those who see differently then we do. Help us to be shining examples of your amazing grace. In Your precious name, Amen

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9

Some of the happiest moments of our lives are spent around a banquet table. Milestones are celebrated there, friendships grow deeper, and relationships are renewed. Could this be why Jesus so frequently used this image to describe heaven? God is planning the ultimate party called the Bridal Feast of the Lamb. It’s the celebration of the union of Jesus Christ and the church, everyone who have believed in Jesus while on earth. It has been a longtime in the planning and the experience of it will be unequaled!

“Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, ‘What a privilege it would be to have a share in the Kingdom of God!” Luke 14:15

If you have been putting off your response, your RSVP, or if you presume that you can enter heaven without responding to Christ’s invitation, one day you will deeply regret it. You need to turn away from all your offenses so that sin will not be your downfall. Take responsibility for your sin and commit to change those wrong actions and attitudes because the Lord has set a day to judge all people. The joy and happiness of that banquet are worth the sacrifice of any worldly priority. Have you said yes to Christ’s invitation to join Him at the wedding feast and spend eternity with Him in His House? If so, you have reason to rejoice, Heaven’s Gates will be opened to you.

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them, they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be there God.” Revelation 21:3

Heaven is a real place. It’s where Jesus lives and waits for those He loves to come to Him. It’s a place of joy and love and hope, a place where all of God’s children, young and old, will stay and be happy forever. Our Lord is preparing a resurrection feast, celebrating the conquering of Satan, sin, death and hell, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross. The invitation to come into our Father’s House has been extended to everyone through Jesus Christ at the Cross. If you refuse, the door to Heaven will be closed. Have you ‘RSVP’ your invitation yet?

“Oh God, Thank You for inviting us to a share in Your Kingdom. Give us the courage to say ‘yes’ to Your Invitation and ‘no’ to excuses that would hinder us from the feast You’ve prepared for us. Amen.